Classic: Debating the Scandals of Easter: Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection David Instone-Brewer v Bob Price

Key takeaways

The inclusion of scandalous details in Gospel accounts suggests a degree of authenticity.
Historical texts, like the Talmud and the Nazareth Inscription, are essential but can be subject to varying interpretations.
The involvement of women as first witnesses is explosive within the cultural context and challenges the credibility of fabricated narratives.
Debates over Jesus' historicity reflect broader theological and cultural tensions that persist in discussions today.
Critical examination of both evidence and evolution of narratives is necessary for understanding early Christian texts.

Summary

The Scandals of Jesus: Crucifixion and Resurrection

The discussion centers around the controversies and supposed "scandals" associated with Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as outlined in David Instone-Brewer's book, 'The Jesus Scandals.' David argues that the inclusion of embarrassing details, such as Jesus' shameful execution and the involvement of women as the first witnesses, lend credence to the historicity of these events, suggesting they would be unlikely to be fabricated. In contrast, Bob Price presents a skeptical view, asserting that these accounts may stem from mythic origins and cultural influences, questioning their historical accuracy.

Historical Evidence and Textual Analysis

David introduces various pieces of historical evidence, such as a censored Talmudic passage discussing Jesus' execution, which he interprets as supportive of the notion that Jesus was indeed crucified. He stresses the importance of understanding the context in which these stories were written, while Bob counterpoints by emphasizing that textual interpretations can vary significantly and he remains unconvinced by these sources as solid evidence. They delve into the implications of the Nazareth Inscription, with David suggesting it signals Roman concern over resurrection claims, while Bob provides a counter-narrative, suggesting ordinary Jewish burial practices could explain these concerns.

The Role of Women in Resurrection Accounts

The podcast discusses the significance of women being the first witnesses of Jesus' resurrection, something that would be considered scandalous in a patriarchal society. David views their presence in the accounts as genuine, indicating authenticity, while Bob raises questions about whether the portrayal represents some cultural or mythic influences rather than genuine historical accounts. They debate the implications of women's testimonies during the time and how their narratives contribute to or detract from the credibility of the resurrection story.

Debates on Historicity and Mythology

Throughout the discussion, the two guests engage in debates over the historicity of the New Testament accounts of Jesus' life and the resurrection. David argues for the credibility of these events based on their contextual anomalies, while Bob promotes a mythicist perspective, suggesting that many aspects may be embellished or entirely fabricated narratives constructed from existing mythologies.

Show notes

Listen to a compelling classic discussion between David Instone-Brewer, a New Testament scholar, and Bob Price, a professor of biblical criticism. This Unbelievable focuses on the scandals surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as argued in David's book, 'The Jesus Scandals.' David posits these events based on their embarrassing nature for early Christians. In contrast, Price offers a skeptical perspective, suggesting alternative explanations involving mythic and cultural influences. The dialogue explores various pieces of evidence, including the Talmud and the Nazareth Inscription, and debates the plausibility and historical context of the resurrection accounts.